DURHAM, N.C. – Duke redshirt freshman DeVon Edwards was named to the Sporting News Freshman All-America team as a kickoff returner, the publication announced Friday.

Edwards, who also received Walter Camp All-America second team honors Thursday, did not take over as Duke’s primary kickoff returner until week five but has since averaged an ACC-leading 31.1 yards per kickoff return with two touchdowns returns covering 100 and 99 yards. He has returned 18 kickoffs for 559 yards to rank second nationally in kickoff return average and is also an All-ACC second team selection.

A 5-9, 185-pound safety, Edwards accounted for three touchdowns in Duke’s 38-20 win against N.C. State on Nov. 9, returning two interceptions for scores and a 100-yard kickoff return. His interception returns came on back-to-back plays and covered 25 and 45 yards.

Also a starter at safety, Edwards has logged 55 tackles, three interceptions and six pass breakups in six starts. He has reached double-digit tackles twice and secured the game-winning interception with 13 seconds remaining in Duke’s school-record 10th victory of the year at North Carolina on Nov. 30.

Edwards is the 25th Duke player to receive Freshman All-America honors and the ninth to earn first team recognition. Duke has had a Freshman All-America first team selection in three consecutive seasons and at least one Freshman All-America choice in each of Duke head coach David Cutcliffe’s six seasons.